LINCOLN – The following is a listing of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission events and important dates in December: Dec. 1 – Bobcat hunting and trapping season opens Dec. 1-31 – Muzzleloader deer hunting season Dec. 1-31 – Public land cow elk hunting season Dec. 1-31 – Private land cow elk hunting season Dec. 2-22 – Bighorn sheep hunting season Dec. 5, 19 – Women’s Firearm Education Program, Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center, Lincoln, 6-7:30 p.m., 402-471-6141 Dec. …

LINCOLN – State parks throughout Nebraska are planning traditional winter events, including lighted hayrack rides, winter nature walks and wildlife viewing, sledding, ice skating, yule log quests, old-fashioned craft projects, visits from Santa and more this holiday season. Dubbed “Winterfest,” this statewide series of events is intended to help families rekindle old holiday traditions and create new ones, while showcasing the beauty of Nebraska during the winter. Many parks offer discounted lodging in conjunction with Winterfest events, offering families a …

By Justin Haag Nebraska Game and Parks Commission LINCOLN – Conservation officers are seeking information in the investigation of the illegal killing and abandonment of a bull elk in northwestern Nebraska during the opening weekend of firearm deer season. The elk was found dead west of Crawford on the Peterson Wildlife Management Area, a 2,460-acre property managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for public hunting. Firearm deer season began Saturday, Nov. 15. Elk are currently out of season. …

LINCOLN – An 89-pound female mountain lion was harvested on the morning of Nov. 17 in Dakota County. This is the second mountain lion harvested in the Prairie Unit, which has been open since Jan. 1. Mountain lion hunting is open in the Prairie Unit until the end of the year. All other mountain lion units are closed at this time. For more information about mountain lions in Nebraska, visit the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s mountain lion web page …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will release rooster pheasants at nine wildlife management areas in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The nine areas include: Oak Valley (Madison County), Wilkinson (Platte County), Sherman Reservoir (Sherman County), Pressey (Custer County), Branched Oak (Lancaster County), Yankee Hill (Lancaster County), Twin Oaks (Johnson County), Hickory Ridge (Johnson County), and Peru Bottoms (Nemaha County). Wilkinson and Peru Bottoms are non-toxic shot only, but otherwise all normal regulations apply. The pheasants will …

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission invites the public to attend informational meetings regarding studies completed on the Niobrara River. Game and Parks will present information from the six studies it has completed about the function and values of the river. Those studies include the science behind the water levels in the river; the economic and social values of recreation on the river; the economic and social values of the river for agricultural, industrial and municipal uses; and …

LINCOLN – The public will have a unique opportunity for viewing birds during an event at Lake Minatare State Recreation Area on Dec. 6. Employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will lead a viewing program at the lake, which has restricted access this time of year. Bald eagles and a wide variety of waterfowl species may be in the area. Participants may arrive at the lighthouse any time after 9 a.m. and …

LINCOLN – Share a Thanksgiving buffet Nov. 27 with friends and family at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park’s Mahoney Grille. The menu includes prime rib, maple sugar glazed ham, roasted turkey, fresh fruit and cheese, bread, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, green beans and cranberries. There also will be a salad bar and dessert station. The buffet will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $19.99 for adults and $7.99 for children ages 3-12. Children …

LINCOLN – A free workshop at Wildcat Hills Nature Center south of Gering will help participants use items found in nature to make their holidays more festive. “Decorating Nature” will be Dec. 13, at 9 a.m. MST. Amanda Filipi, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission outdoor education specialist, will provide instruction for creating festive ornaments from items found in nature. On the list of projects are bird feeders, including those constructed in garland fashion. Some of the creations from the workshop …

LINCOLN – A good season of deer hunting is expected in Nebraska for the Nov. 15-23 firearm season. “Most hunters should see more deer this year after two good years of fawn production,” said Kit Hams, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s big game program manager. “The number of older bucks should also remain high as hunters have continued to be selective in their harvest.” Hams estimated Nebraska deer harvest for all seasons may end up similar to 2013 and …